Since clogging can occur when using spray nozzles, it is necessary that the tips and strainers be cleaned after each application and tested before using again. Regardless of the kinds of nozzle tips, they are the most neglected and abused part of the sprayer, yet these tips are the most important parts con cerning the even distribution of chemicals. All these factors must be considered and balanced to arrive at an effective spraying operation. Nozzle size and operating pressure affect the nozzle discharge. The pump capacity and general conditions affect the speed at which the area can be covered. The amount of spray for a given area should be worked out with the help of the extension agent or spray consultant. Usually the swath covered is determined by the effective reach of the sprayer. Nozzles must be selected to fit a given application based on operating conditions and equipment. Experience is the best guide to nozzle selection for a given application. Many variable factors affect the effectiveness of a given droplet size, and all nozzles produce a relatively broad spectrum of skes, so the arguments may be somewhat academic. The argument continues over the merits of large, medium and small droplets. The smaller the orifice and the higher the pressure, the smaller the droplets produced. This nozzle is commonly used on a boom for flat surfaces and low field crops.ĭroplet size from cone and flat fan nozzles is most strongly affected by orihce ske, the core in cone nozies and operating pressure. The breakup, or atomization, is rather similar to the cone type but usually with coarser droplets. This type is useful for creating an overall wetting action which spreads the spray into a wide but thin fan shape. A plain orifice with a core, or whirl plate, behind it to im part a rotary motion to the discharge, creates a conical pattern made up of many droplets. A plain orifice nozzle will produce a relatively solid stream useful for gun spraying to reach the upper branches of trees or for pressure cleaning. Although the same sprayer may be used, a different set of nozzles is sometimes required for different jobs.Ĭonventional nozzles produce what are essentially straight stream, cone or fan spray discharges. They must be selected and assembled properly to apply the pesticide where it is intended and in a uniform manner. The success of your spraying operation depends to a large extent on the nozzles. For further and more complete nozzle information refer to a Spraying Systems catalog, Delavan catalog or The Broyhill Company Sprayer Parts & Specialty Catalog (nozzles & Tips section).

A basic outline of the different types of available nozzles will be presented in this section.

Ag sprayer nozzles